Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
STARLIGHT RITUAL is: Damian Ritual (vocals/bass), Dan Toupin (guitars/keyboards), J.F. Bertrand (drums)
REVIEW – Montréal-based STARLIGHT RITUAL return with their second full-length album, ‘Rogue Angels’, a thunderous slab of traditional heavy metal laced with doom, progressive twists, and epic storytelling. Due to be released on Friday, October 31st, 2025 via High Roller Records, this is a record forged in the fires of classic metal influences like Manowar, Rainbow, and Grim Reaper, yet sharp and polished enough to carve out its own unique path through today’s metal scene.
Opening track “Lost Among the Fold” sets a dark, powerful tone with heavy riffs and thundering rhythms, anchored by Damian Ritual’s commanding vocal presence. Title track “Rogue Angels” follows with crunchy guitars, pounding drums, and a soaring chorus that feels tailor-made for live sing-alongs. “Crusaders” rides gallantly into the imagination, evoking classic tales of battle and brotherhood with a hard rock edge.
“Far Beyond the Storm” brings a high-energy fist-pumping anthem that fuses heavy groove with melodic flair, while “Of Words” unleashes screaming guitars and searing leads atop thunderous percussion. The six-minute epic “Omenkillers”, inspired by The Omen films, is a crushing, cinematic piece that dives deep into the band’s more doom-influenced roots.
As the album progresses, “The Law” transports listeners on a late-night metal journey with gritty storytelling and rich instrumentation. “On the Run” recalls the spirit of classic metal’s golden age—think early Dio or Judas Priest—with its propulsive drive and emotional solos. Then comes “Exodus”, the band’s slow-burning masterpiece—doom-tinged and dramatic, evoking shades of Black Sabbath‘s Heaven and Hell. Closer “Aftermath” offers a short, haunting coda that lets the dust settle, echoing with the weight of all that came before.
While the songs themselves are strong across the board, it’s the performances that elevate ‘Rogue Angels’ to greatness. Damian’s vocal range and lyrical command recall legends like Steve Grimmett, Blackie Lawless, and Eric Adams, while Dan Toupin’s guitar work—both heavy and melodic—gives the album its emotional range and edge. J.F. Bertrand’s drums provide the beating heart throughout, from pounding double-kicks to subtle dynamic shifts.
This isn’t just a throwback record—it’s a statement of identity. Drawing from doom beginnings and classic rock flavor, STARLIGHT RITUAL now fully embraces their destiny as epic metal warriors. From the mystical to the biblical, from personal to apocalyptic, the lyrical themes sweep wide and deep. For fans of epic hard-rocking traditional metal, this is a must-spin.
For more information on STARLIGHT RITUAL, visit:
www.Facebook.com/StarlightRitual
www.Instagram.com/StarlightRitual
www.Spotify.com/Artist/StarlightRitual
